Third Wave

Daring Do had faced Ahuizotl, Don Caballeron, buffalo tribes, hydras, the terrible kraken, pirates, the tax office, but all her years of training, all her years of travelling across the globe fighting against the most fearsome creatures, solving the most challenging of puzzles, crossing the most intricate of labyrinths; none of that could prepare her for her biggest challenge ever…

Her retirement speech.

“...and with that, I officially announce that I will no longer take part on any expedition on the land of Equestria.”

Cameras flashed and reporters rushed to ask questions but their voices got lost in the cries of dozens of admirers and children. Daring smiled, she had spent so much time lately in broign galas and auctions that had forgot all about her fans, especially the young ones.

Daring picked a reporter and allowed him to ask a question, “But Daring, who would protect the city of Maretropolis and the ponies of Equestria?”

“Woah there, you made me sound like I'm some kind of heroine. I never considered myself that way, I´m just an explorer and, regarding the safety of this city, you already have the best defenders in all the world, the Power Ponies!”

Daring waved to the masked ponies and they smiled at the camera. Well, that's an exaggeration their faces were a mix of scowls and disappointed looks.

“Cameras are pointing. Try to look cheerful, fellas, “ Mistress Mare-velous said.

“Hard to considering the situation,” Radiance said.

“Wish Fili-second was here. She could say something to cheer the mood,” Saddle Ranger said.

“This is stupid,” Zap complaomianed.

Masked Matter-Horn said nothing.

Daring was doing a good show reassuring the ponies in the audience, some were still crying but Daring managed to turned their frowns upside down. Despite everything she said, she was still their heroine. The mayor was already holding the key of the city when another reporter asked a questions.

“Sunny Daze. FIlly Trumpet.”

At the mention of this name Masked raised her head, alerting the other members.

“Are you giving up because a new generation has taken over your job?”

The other reporters growled and the audience was ready to jump over her but Daring dismissed the notion with a smile. “I am getting a little too old for this business but I assure you, there´s no better ponies for the job than them.”

The audience responded wit applauses but Sunny wasn't pleased. “And whatever happened with the Horseshoes of Power? Did you forget about them or what?”

“I´m afraid the Horseshoes are gone for good. I had a lead on where they could be but the zebra princes told me that the temple is more than in ruins, it´s completely gone. There´s nothing there and nopony has any clues on them.”

“So you´re saying they´re lost forever?”

“For the better, I presume. I´m a little sad the collection will remain incomplete but somethings are better left that way…” Daring said and she looked straight at Selena, the museum curator when she said that. “Besides, with Ahuizotl locked in prison, I don´t think anybody else is interested on them. That was my last adventure folks, sorry the ending wasn´t that exciting.”

Sunny scowled but keep quiet. Another reporter took the chance to ask Daring a final question.

“What are you plans from now on, Daring?”

“I don´t know. Maybe I´ll turn into the next museum curator. After all, what other pony knows this place better than me?” And she finished  the conference winking at the crowd.

*****

The Horn of Wisdom and the Wings of Speed were standing right next to each other in glass cases. They gave the room and ominous feeling, a strange vibration, almost like a humming sound. Some superstitions ponies will even say that it felt liek the two amulets were whispering at each other and they would not be far from the truth.

Mare Do-Well gave no thoughts to that idea and prepared to remove the glass cases.

“The alarms are deactivated although you know that already, don´t you…” Daring Do said, coming out  the shadows. “...Selena?”

Mare-Do-Well turned around and even with her masked face, one can tell she was surprised.

“Oh please, drop the act. I know it´s you behind the mask.”

“...how did you knew?”

“For starters, you're shorter than the pony I fought after the gala. Also, last night you managed to escape from a dead end without taking flight. I figured you did that by teleportation and outside from MatterHorn, I doubt any winged pony can pull that trick. And finally, the most important evidence, the fight we had yesterday told me everything I needed to know,” Daring explained. “I told you once that fighting styles are like snowflakes, nopony makes them the same. I trained you in self-defense but when I did, I could tell you already knew some basic moves. You probably learned them on the orphanage. When I fought Mare-Do-Well I recognized the moves, they were yours. Except it wasn't you who I fought that night, it was another pony. The pony that taught you to fight.”

Mare-Do-Well removed her hat and mask, revealing the soft features of the meek unicorn curator.

“Impressive Daring, you never cease to amaze me.”

“You're one to talk. The sweet, little Selena is the mysterious Mare-Do-Well. I didn't see that one coming. And that leads us to the big question. Let´s face it Selena, you are no thief. You are no ambitious or greedy, you have no use for the amulets. So...why are you doing this?”

Selena looked at the featureless mask and took a deep breath, releasing the truth that she had been hiding for years.

“I was trying to stop my sister.”

*****

Obese Rich spared no expenses when he build his house. The best curtains, the best furniture, the best service and of course, the best security system money can buy. Mare- Do- Well had to pull some impressive feats to overcome the many armed guards, magic barriers and vigilant animals but she did it. She knocked off the guards, blocked the magic sensor and put the animals to sleep, all on her own and without making a single sound.

She sneaked inside the main bedroom and hovered to the bed. The big glob that was Obese was snoring out loud from behind the sheets and Mare-Do-Well couldn't help but gag. She didn´t enjoyed the scene so she moved to the task at job, recover the Horseshoes that were standing on the wall over Obese. Any other pony wouldn't look twice at them, they were just a pairt of normal horseshoes embedded on the wall, except they weren´t. Mare-Do-Well knew well what they were and her eyes gleamed from behind the mask. She stretched her arm, pressing her hoof on the cold metal and then heard the sound of a spring in action. She got no time tor act and soon found herself covered in strong metal vines.

“Trussed up like a turkey,” Mistress Mareve-lous said, coming out from inside the sheets.

Mare-Do-Well took a look and realized how simple the disguise Mistress had prepared was with a recording of the snores and a bunch of pillows and that made her angrier, that such a simple trick got her.

“There´s no escape from this one, miss. Masked warned me all about your tricks but there´s no air vent for you to crawl into.”

Mare-Do-Well said nothing but she was growling under her mask.

“What? No witty remarks now, Mrs…” And Mistress removed the mask with one pull. “...Sunny Daze?”

“Tch.”

“What? Aren´t ya going to ask me how I figure out your identity?”

“I´ll like to think that all of you combined count for one brain.”

“Cute.” Mistress had to suppress the need to punch her right in the snout. “Now, I don't know what´s your game, Daze; but you're not going anywhere until we get the authorities. The items are all secure in the museum and you're going to pay for your crimes. Only question I have is how you gave us the cold shoulder there at the docks, Mrs. Do said she figured it out but won't share with us. What´s so funny?”

“Oh nothing, I just was under the impression you were smart but it seems only Daring has a brain there. Gotta gave the old geezer the credits.”

“Now listen well,” Mistress said, holding her by the neck of her suit. “I had my fair part of defending your job in the streets but you better keep that attitude at bay.”

“Yeah, I´m sure she wouldn't be too pleased with my language either…”

“What are you talking about?”

“It´s funny, before she disappeared last thing she made us promise was not to take on the hat and cape. But, since when do children listen to their parents? Even adopted children…”

“Wait, what are you implying?” Mistress asked, losing her grip.

“A nice pony who picked up two fillies, an unicorn and a pegasus…”

Mistress noted the emphasis Sunny added to that but it hit her too late, the lighting crashing through the window and making her get loose of Sunny. Mistress wasn't hurt but the pegasus took the chance to fly away.

“Oh no, you don't! You´re not escapin this time!” zap yelled, giving chase to Sunny.

“Wait Zap, she planted some thunderclouds! Be careful!”

Zap ignored Mistress´ warning and rushed to grab the fleeting pegasus. After all, electricity was no danger to her. Sunny avoided her own traps with ease while Zap just crashed through them. When she finally caught up, Sunny was waiting on a rooftop.

“Givin up? I was hoping for a little chase. You still owe me for that stunt you pulled on me last night,” Zap said.

Sunny just smirked, her white coat matching the snowflakes.

“What? Talk or I take you down!”

“You say that to all girls?”

“That´s it!” Zap shouted but she fell down in the snowy ground. “What is this?”

“Never seen snow before? I know all about your electric powers Zap, so I prepared this little cloud just in case, “ Sunny explained, letting go off the rope that tied the cloud. Zap noticed there were more in the adjacent rooftops. “I bought a few more to block the air patrol. Never thought I would actually get to use them.” Sunny took a look at the maison rooftop. “Seems your friend has already managed to find a way to dogre the thunderclouds. I´m going to settle a few rain ones to cover my tracks…”

“You…”

“Sorry, was I thinking outloud? I tend to do that, I guess I´m not good at this silent heroine thing. Good thing I don't have to wear the mask anymore. Your friend just told me where to find final item and once I got it…”

“You will not do a thing!”

Sunny Daze may be a mouthful but even she knew when to shup up and that moment was when Masked Matter-Jorn descended from the skies, using her mental powers to dispel all the clouds and shone a light so bright that was making the city of Maretrpoñplis see the sun during nighttime.

*****

“So that´s the story behind Mare-Do-Well,” Daring said once Selena was done with her explanations. “What I don't understand is what this has to do with the the Three Treasures?”

“I told the story about your investigation. I thought it will be a good scoop for her career but she had other plans. SHe told me we should get the items and use them ourselves.”

“For what, take over the world?”

“Of course not! We did it because of what you say today in the conference…” Selena said and Daring kept quiet. “You´re not going to be here forever, we already knew that but we didn't want to believe them. My sister convinced me that we needed the power of the treasures to protect the city.”

“That's insane! Haven't you read the legends, about how the ponies of the past misused the amulets? And besides, you got the Power Ponies to protect you! Why even use the items?”

“Because we can´t trust them. We were taught the mask represented something, it spoke for all the ponies who didn't had a face. But theres ponies, who are they representing? their domino masks, whose voices are they?”

“Well said, my dear. Masked ponies are not to be trusted,” a voice said from behind the shadows of the other side of the room, slowly revealing itself to be Obese RIch. Very, very slowly.

“Obese, I told you to saty hidden. You have over a dozen houses and you couldn't spend a few hours in one of them?” Daring said the still not out of the shadows pony.

“You think I'll leave my most precious possessions unprotected? Now that I have all Three Treasures, I have the most valuable collection in the planet!” Obese said and both mares had to wait a little more, rolling their eyes at how slow he was,  from him to step on the light and show the pair of golden horseshoes. “Surprised?”

“Not really,” Selena said.

“Yes, I was in possession of the horseshoes all along.”

“We know.”

“Yes, I...wait, how did you know?”

“My sister asked you're employes and they told her you received it weeks ago. She simply waited for a chance to get into your houses and spend days interrogating your house servants and employees. Your assistant Ringbell told her a lot during dinner,” Selena explained.

“That explains the attack at the docks. You were trying to get the police attention and gave your sister an alibi,” Daring said.

“Damnit, I had an entire speech prepared…” Obese mumbled. “Anyways, you're fired Selena!”

“You can't fire me. You´re just the biggest sponsors but you've no saying in the museum staff,” Selena explained.

“Well, well...you're going to jail! Once I tell the authorities of your little night activities, nopony is ever going to see your face again!”

“Knock it off, Rich! Selena is not going to jail and neither is her sister. The Power Ponies are already taking care off her,” Daring interrupted him.

“What´s going to happen to my sister?”

“We already secured for you two to leave the city. I see no point in sending you to jail, not with the items out of the picture.”

“You're not going to keep them?”

“They're going to a vault and never see the light of day again. That will be the final chapter of my adventures. Not exactly the blaze of glory I was expecting but I'll sleep better knowing they'll never be used by anypony.”

“You´re right…” Rich said.” That´s not how your story should end. You should go all out in a final battle!” He shouted and then put on the golden horseshoes.

“Rich, what are you doing?”

“For too long I´ve done nothing but indulge you in your little escapades, Daring. No more! This time I´ll be the central piece of your story, the best role, the villain who takes down Daring Doooooo!”

The magic of the horseshoes worked in Rich, turning his morbid figure into a bulk muscular stallion.

“Woah, I never thought they'll actually work…” Daring said, hoping Selena won't notice her spread wings.

“Mr. Rich, what have you done?”

“The power...I can feel it...I have the power!”

Rich stomped his hooves, making the entire room crash. Daring got hold of Selena and flew to the roof. Rich responded tossing statues and plates at them.

“Way to treat your own collection, Rich!”

“What does it matter now, Daring? I´m the most powerful pony in the world! I have the strength of a thousand earth ponies!” he shouted and tossed and entire figurehead at them. Daring dodge it but a tapestry fell off over them and they went down. “And with the power of the two other Treasures, I´ll be unstoppable!”

But when Obese tried to touch the treasures, his hooves only touched thin air.

“What the hay?”

The glass cases disappeared, revealing to be mere illusions conjured by the unicorn Radiance.

“Are you two okay?” Saddle Ranger asked, helping Daring and Selena get up.

“Perfect! This is even better! I will be remembered not just as the pony that caused the fall of Daring Do but also took the Power Ponies with him!”

“He´s...insane,” Saddle said.

“Mad with power. Guess it´s the only fun way of go mad,” Daring said, wincing because of a strained wing.

“MR. Rich, think what you´re doing! You're ruining your reputation!” Selena peladed.

“Who cares? I was already the richest pony, no I´m the strongest and soon…” Ruich raised his hooves and stomped again, this time crashing through the floor and sending them to vault in the basement.

All the ponies went down, screaming but then three flashing strikes saved them.

“Is everypony safe?” Masked Matter-Horn asked, holding Saddle Ranger.

“I´ve been better,” Radiance admitted, holded by Zap.

“Sister…” Selena said to her rescuer.

“How did you guys know we were in danger?” Daring asked Mistress Mare-velous, who was holding her while swinging from a grappling hook.

“We didn´t. Sunny here decided to not turn on a fight the second Masked showed up. We were heading to the museum to meet you guys when we heard the ruckus,” Mistress explained.

“I´ll say is more of frackas,” Sunny teased her and Msitress growled.

“Sister…”

“It´s okay, little sis. Our little game is over.”

“We need to get down there. If Rich gets a hoof on the other two items…” Daring said,.

“That will not happen!” Masked announced and they all dove in.

Rich had already toss the door of the vault away. He licked his lips at all the treasures that Daring had gathered over the years and couldn't help but grab a few shiny pearls that suddenly turned into snakes.

“Power Ponies, attack!”

Rich didn´t had much time to respond to the illusion. Mistress threw her a pair of bolas, trying to tie him up but Rich was too strong and broke them. Zap crashed against him but Rich tossed her aside.

“Mr, Rich, please!” Selena tried to plead a final time but Rich answer was to try to crush her. Luckily, Masked raised a force field.

Daring and Mistress joined forces to pull him, using their whips and ropes but Rich was too strong for them. He easily got rid of them and shifted his focus to Radiance. Rich smirked thinking he could crush the unicorn in one hit but she used her power to put him into an hypnotic trance and making fell asleep.

“You see ladies, violence is not always the answer,” Radiance aid, tossing her mane.

The ponies approached the snoring Rich. “You know, I never liked him. Our date was a disaster,” Daring said.

“You two used to date?” Zap said as incredulous as the rest of them.

“We had dinner. Once.”

“Now that this is taken care off. Time to take you two to your new house. Don't worry, I promise is not the prison but you´re still going away,” Mistress said.

“Yeah, about that,” Sunny said and then she vanished in a flash of light. “Amazing. This is simply amazing. I can sense the wind on my wings like I've never felt it before. I can sense everything!”

“She´s wearing the Wings!” Saddle pointed.

“The power is invigorating! You're a fool, Daring. How could you keep such powerful items locked away when you could use their power? Look at me, I can control the weather in ways no other pegasus was able!” Sunny shouted, crating wind and snow.

“That´s the medallion talking, Sunny. The power is too much for any pony to handle it!”

“Then why did the ancient ponies created them then?”

“They were wrong? Nopony should have this kind of power! That´s why they spread the items away so they will never be used again!”

“Well, I will use them...watch me!”

Sunny made her storm grew stronger and colder.

“I had enough with you!” Zap shouted and created the most powerful electrical storm. The lgihtjngin bolts crashed againt the snowlcouds, trhathengin to hit the poniesn bleow and actually hitting Rich.

“You can't defeat me, Power Ponies! With this amulet I will…”

“Take a nap!”

Sunny then fell down on the floor and a tiny pony pop out of her collar.

“How come all bad guys always say the same speech?”

“Fili-second?” Daring asked.

“I´ve been hiding inside her costume since she visited our HQ yesterday. Man, I´m hungry now!”

“Good move. You forgot to tell me about this,” Daring said.

“You forgot to tell us about Mrs. Selena,” Mistress replied but before anypony could say something else, Rich got up and punched her and Radiance, knocking them unconscious.

“Girls!” Fili-second shouted and grew in size until becoming as tall as an Ursa Minor. She tried to punch Rich but he was too strong and tossed her away.

Just then, Sunny woke up and tried to make a move.

“She is getting away!” Zap shouted and started shooting lighting but Sunny was too fast and she dodge them all. “Fili, move!”

The warning came too late and FIli got zapped. “In moments like this, I wish I had super speed…” she lamented with her afro-hair.

“Everypony...stop!” Saddle shouted and her mane grew, trapping them all on ropes of pink color.

“Seriously? This is your superpower? You made your mane grow?” Sunny complained.

“You are not exactly moving,” Daring mocked her.

“So what now, jail?”

“For Rich, yes. As for you and Selena…” Daring´s words got cut short when she saw her friend wearing the Horn of Wisdom and using her magic to keep Masked Matter-Horn at bay. “Oh no, Sleena…”

“I...understand. I understand everything. My mind is so peaceful now, free of distractions and doubts. I know what must be done.”

“Selena, listen to me. The Horn is talking through you, this is not you, it´s the unicorn magic, confusing your mind,” Daring said, trying to reason with the enhanced magical horse.

“I know that and I know what must be done,” Selena responded in a calm tone and levitated the items away from the other two. “This item were created at a time where ponies were exposed to the element. When monsters roamed free and the three species were in conflict. But now, the balance has been found..:” she said, freeing Masked. “Your magic is the only power that can put them to rest.”

“That´s why I could resonate with them. The magic inside them is linked to my alicorn nature…”

“The knowledge of the past provides peace in the future. Your presence here was foretold by the ancient ponies, “ Selena keep explaining but she seemed to be voicing somepony else, a pony from times before.

“So that´s it. That´s the answer…” Masked said, levitating the items.

“Wait, you're going to...destroy them?” Daring asked

“Just like your time has ended and the time of Mare-Do-Well ende with our mother...the time for the Treasures is done,” Selena explained before Masked took off the Horn from her.

“You said it yourself, Daring. These items are too powerful, they must be destroyed.”

“I know but...they're still history. And my last adventure, my last treasure. I guess...I just realized this is the end.” Daring took a moment to look at all the treasures she had collected, all those memories, all those stories. “But I guess the moment  has been prepared for...do it.”

Masked nodded and sued her magic to levitate the three objects and make them crash with each other, their magic exploding and creating the most beautiful collection of colors.

That´s how the last story of Daring Do ended with a beaming rainbow.

******

The unicorn waiter levitated the empty glass of juice from the trail. He expected a tip but the pony on the hammock wasn´t even looking at him, she had her face covered with a straw hat. THe waiter coughed to no avail. He coughed again but she didn't responded.

“Is there anything else I can do for you, miss?” he finally asked, exasperated.

“No.” Satisfied although with an empty pocket, the waiter turned around. “Actually yes,  tell me the latests news.”

He levitated the newspaper to her but when she didn't lifted her hat he added “Here.”

“Just read me the headers.”

The unicorns sighed. “Re-opening of the museum announced. The head curator, miss Selena, is happy to announce the museum is reopening its doors after the accident from last week.”

The pony with the hat smiled.

“Is that all?”

“Go on.”

“The Power Ponies capture Mane-iatic. New super villain caught in the act by the city local heroines.”

“What´s the name of the writer?”

“A Sunny Daze, miss. What´s so funny, miss?”

“Nothing, just the way things turn out. Guess that´s all,” she said, searching for a bit on her pocket.

“I suppose so. The only other new is the local section babbling about a ghost again.”

The pony was about to handle the bit when she heard that and then backed down, “Excuse me, you said ghost?”

“Yes, rumours of a shadowy pony in the castle near the resort. Locals are always babbling about that stuff. Nonsense if you ask me…”

The pony finally lifted her hat, revealing a pair of bright eyes, eyes hungry for excitement.

“I´ll call it...an adventure.”